22.01.2022 20:53 h

Celtic edge through as holders St Johnstone dumped out of Scottish Cup

Celtic needed to see out a nervy finale to beat Alloa 2-1 as holders St Johnstone crashed out to fourth-tier Kelty Hearts in the Scottish Cup fourth round on Saturday.

First half goals from Giorgos Giakoumakis and Liel Abada looked to have Celtic cruising towards the last 16.

But the Hoops were rocked by a triple injury blow as Callum McGregor, Abada and Yosuke Ideguchi were forced off in the second half just 11 days before a vital league clash against Rangers.

Conor Sammon then forced the ball home from close range 12 minutes from time to set up a grandstand finish for Alloa, but the League One side could not force extra-time.

St Johnstone enjoyed their best ever year last season by winning both the league and Scottish Cup.

However, the Saints face a relegation battle to stay in the top-flight and were dumped out in embarrassing fashion by League Two Kelty in the latest of a 10-game losing run.

Kallum Higginbotham scored the only goal in extra-time to send Kelty into the fifth round.

"I asked them to do certain things and for the first 30 or 40 minutes, they wouldn't do any of it," said Saints boss Callum Davidson, who admitted his job is now on the line.

There was no giant killing for the other Hearts as the Edinburgh side thrashed Auchinleck Talbot 5-0 with Liam Boyce scoring twice.

Aberdeen were also comfortable 3-0 winners over Edinburgh City.

Rangers cruised through on Friday night with a 4-0 win over Stirling Albion.